THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3098, 30 July 1913, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

ITT Correspondents are reminded that all let■fer? for the current week's issue must reach Dunedin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, «nd are thus a week old when they appear. liAKE CODXTT, July 26.—The weather has been exceptionally mild for the past week. football.—The second match for the Cup between Queenstown and Arrowtown was played on the latter's ground on Wednesday last. Queenstown had only 11 men, but put up a good fight, eventually losing by 6 points to 3. Military Ball.—-The military ball, held in the Garrison Hail, Arrowtown, last evening, was a great success, financially and otherwise. There was a large attendance, over 60 couples taking part in the grand march. The music was supplied by Miss It. (Stevenson (piano) and Messrs S. and W. Stevenson (violins), while the duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr S. M'Skimming.a. Valedictory.—The Rev. J. D. Webster and Mrs Webster were entertained at a valedictory social by the Queenstown Presbyterian Church congregation. The Rev. A. H. Wheeldon (Arrowtown) presided, and there was a large attendance. At an interval during the evening Mr Webster received several presentations, including a purse of sovereigns from the Queenstown congregation, and a similar gift from the Frankton congregation, and a gold-mounted fountain pen from the young men’s Bible class. Mrs Webster was presented by the members of the Ladies' Guild with several gifts for herself and children. The Rev. Mr Webster and family left Queenstown on Monday last for Stirling. Death.—The death took place at Invercargill yesterday of Miss Hilda M'Brule, youngest daughter of the lave Mr Hugh M‘Bride, Lower Shctover. Deceased was 2 i years of age, and was very popular with her acquaintances. ia;:hss»en. July 28. —The weather has been very stormy during the past fortnight, with the exception of one or two warm days that brought down the snow from the mountaintops, causing a rise in the rivers, but not to any alarming extent. Many other parts throughout Southland are much worse off in regard to weather conditions than we are, yet there is something to be thankful for. The open winter and apparently early spring are much appreciated by stock-owners, who would otherwise find it difficult to provide winter feed for their cattle owing to the scarcity caused by the past disastrous season. .Stock are looking well, and a plentiful supply of early spring feed is anticipated. Hunting.—The Wallace Hunt Club held its annual meet at Lumsden on the 21st, but, unfortunately, it was a stormy day. Nothing daunted them, however, and the programme was carried out in a- drenching rain. A goodly number of the public braved the elements, and were rewarded in seeing a meritorious display of horsemanship. One or two spills of a harmless nature occurred. After a couple of runs a Jumping competition was held, and a largo entry was received. A good exhibition of leaping was given, with the exception of one or two, whose performances indicated that they would rather creep under the obstacle than over it. The veteran horseman Mr C'has. Church gained first and second honours on Royal Guard and Magical respectively. A successful meeting was brought to a close without a mishap. Oddfcllowfehip.—The half-yearly meeting of the Southland District (Manchester Unity) was held at Lumsden on Wednesday, 23rd inst., all the district officers and a goodlv number of members from neighbouring and local lodges being present. Several matters in connection with the order were freely discussed. The G.M., F. J. Sherwood, announced that the executive has in view and fully anticipates the opening of two branch lodges in the near future —one at Otautau and another at Edemlalc. The usual toasts were heartily given and duly responded to. A purple lecture was bold after the ordinary meeting, when P.G. Bro. T. Martin was awarded the past officers’ degree and passwords. A social in connection with the district officer’s visit was held in Messrs Crosbio Bros.’ sample room, when about 30 members sat down to a sumptuous spread. The usual toasts wore proposed and duly honoured, songs and recitations were given by local and visiting members, which wore much enjoyed by these present. The half-yearly balance sheet road at the meeting showed the lodge to be in a very satisfactory position, lioih financially and numerically. River Protection. —The piles for the permanent, work are now on the ground, 'the prompt action by the member for the riding (Mr A. Steward) and the council’s engineer (Mr Bastian) is highly appreciated bv the ratepayers concerned. Public "Works.—The foundation of a new house for the station master was begun last week. The residents of the town considered the site most unsuitable, and communicated with the Ministers of Railways and Public Works, the resu’t being that the works arc now suspended pending investigation. FAIKKAX. July 25. —Although the weather during the present month has been very wet, it has been wonderfully mild. The grass has been growing all winter, and the fields arc greener now than they usually are in early September. It appears that the prophecies concerning an early spring are likely to be fulfilled. Personal. —Mr C. Cull, who lost one of his logs, the result of a shooting accident, is progressing as well as can be expected. Ho was cmnloved iu Mr E. Hitt’s blacksmith shop for over 10 years, and it scents hard (hat. after working at his trade so long, ho should be- debarred from using his experience as a means of livelihood. Death. —On the 15th inst. Miss M. ■Younger, daughter of the late Mr D. Younger, of Groper's Bush, died in the Riverton Hospital. Site had been in poor health for some considerable time. The deceased lady was bom at Groper's and spent ail her days there, where she was highly esteemed and respected. r Jo Mrs Younger and family, who have experienced their lull share of earth’s sorrows, the sympathy of tlie entire neighbourhood goes out in their sad bereavement. Literary and Debating Society. A t a meeting of the Literary and Debating Society, held on the 30th ult.. the subject was “ Arc the present militant tactics of the Suffragettes likely to prove detrimental to the ultimate success of the cause! ’ Mr D. M-Farhiu- lead off in -lie affirmative, and Mr William Ford replied in the nega-

tive. A very interesting debate resulted. The voting was in favour of the negative by a majority of one. —On July 14 Mr •[ Borland gave an abridged account of bis trip through the British Bice, part of the Continent, and Canada. Members found the contribution both interesting and useful Mr Borland evidently travelled with an open mind, as well as with open eyes. He spoke of things as he found them, and gave bis own impressions, not those of other travellers. Ho was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for Ids excellent paper. p n August 11 the society crosses blades with the Wild Bush Club at Fairfax. Ihe subject of debate is the old but evergreen one, ‘‘Town v. Country.” The local team will do battle for the town, and the visitors will uphold the ease for the country. An interesting contest is expected, Entertainment. —On the evening of the 19th inst. Massey’s Pictures were shown in the Fairfax Hall to a full house. It was intimated at the close of the entertainment that regular monthly visits to the township might be expected. T* I’HI 1. July 28. —Very stormy weather during the past few weeks lias caused all outdoor work to be at a standstill, and the present winter will be remembered as one of the wettest on record. The land is running with water, and quite unworkable in any way. Wc shall require a good dry spell in tHo early spring or prospects will point to a late season. On Saturday last there was every appearance of another flood. All streams were rumi’iig bank high, and at Kelso the Pomahaka was over its banks. With incessant rain there was some uneasiness, but fortunately no serious damage rtsuited. The state of district roads tilis winter is a fruitful topic. At the present time gravelling and grading are going on, but most people are of opinion that it is a waste of time and money. (Some of the tracks are simply impassable, and it is well that there lias been next to no grain-carting this winter. There has been a marked absence of any continued spell of frost, and in sheltered ‘places trees show promise of early budding Feed for stock appears to be holding out fairly well; but there must be some considerable waste with the wot condition of the paddocks. New Building.—The contractor (Mr Lyden) has commenced the erection of the now police residence, but wet weather is against rapid progress. The new building will be a decided improvement at the entrance to the town. Racing Club. —There was a large attendance of members at the annual mooting of the Tapanui Racing Club on Saturday evening, the president (Mr F. Lischncr) occupying the chair. The annual report showed a very satisfactory year, and last race meeting resulted in a small profit, notwithstanding that the stakes had been increased by £IOO, and considerable expenditure incurred by the erection of a new totalisator-houso, fencing, etc. ’Besides valuable property, the club has a cash balance at bank of £267. After the minutes and correspondence had been dealt with, the balance sheet was adopted, and members expressed satisfaction with the financial position and the success of the last meeting. The election of officebearers resulted in the re-election of Mr Lischner as president; Dr Robertson and Messrs A. Munyard and Grigor Grant, vicepresidents; Mr'J. J. i Ferry, secretary and treasurer; Mr P. Collins, clerk of course; Mr G. Grant, clerk of scales; Messrs James Crawford and E. M. Bundle, timekeepers; Mr P. Hay, auditor; and the following were appointed stewards:—Messrs M. M’Aulcy, Jus. Crawford, S. Atkin, W. Mercer, A. Duncan, W. Jenkins, P. Collins, T. J. Quin, R. A. Rodger, W. R. Quin, K. APKenzie, John Fleming, and Jas. Todd. Mr A. II a ugh was elected jockeyroom steward; Mr W. R. Quin, totalisator steward; Mr Tiios. Stiven, assistant starter. The important positions of starter and handicapper wore again entrusted to Messrs F. Wallis (Gore) and A. J. Gibbs (Gore) respectively. The members decided Jo express ilieir appreciation of Mr alb's s services by making him a suitable presentation, and the selection of the gift was left to a sub-committee. Mr Alex. MTntyrc was re-elected judge, and Mr Collier was appointed private detective. It was decided to further increase the stakes at the next meeting, and the total to bo raced for was raised to £6OO. A special train from Gore is to be arranged for the first day’s racing. The time of the annual meeting has been changed from January to November, and the dates (19th and 20th) approved by the conference. It is hoped that, coming in early in the season, it will be found more suitable than nearing the tail end, when tracks arc hard, and many of the gallopers off work. Several now members were appointed. and at the close of the meeting a short social function was held, when a number of toasts were proposed, interspersed with vocal items _ Mr Alex. Duncan gave some bagpipe selections, and a happy hour was spent. Amusement.— Roller-skating is still attracting fair attendances at- the Town Hull. A fancy-dress carnival lately proved a great attraction, and the interest is kept up with various competitions. A Quadrille Assembly started on Friday evening, but a very wet night was against the dancers. Some classes are also going at the Technical School, but this is not so well patronised ns last winter, and young people are missing good opportunities of improving themselves. Lecture. —The members of the young women’s Bible class hold their annual entertainment in aid of the Dunedin Presbyterian Orphanage last week, and were again favoured with a good house,_ realising some £l7. The form of entertamroent selected was a lecture by the Rev. Mr Miller (of Dipton) —“A Nicht Wi’ Burns.” In addition there was an excellent musical programme, and the performers in ell classes were well received. Besides local vocalists, Mrs MTntvrc (Waikoikoi). Mr and Mrs Mackenzie' (Kelso), and Miss Farqubarson (Crookston) faced the bad roads to lend their talent for a worthy cause. The Rev. G. Here us acted as chairman. TfTAPEKA NTEST. July 23. —The weather lately has been past a joke. It has been raining and blowing for the last fortnight, and lias been bitterly cold. The ground is so soft that one has a job to walk over it; and the roads are in a bad state. Stock on turirp land aro wasting a terrible amount of feed, and are not thriving as they should do, although the crops are standing remarkably well. Thrashing is at a standstill again, it being impossible for the plant to get about the roads In their present state. The bottom end of the district ie still waiting to got their stuff thrashed. It baa put people to a great inconvenience, as

their stock of horse and fowl fed has run out, and they have to borrow where they can. It is true millowners .find it hard shifting about, but-'had they come in good tune when they ought to have been here things would have been much easier for them, and they would not have had the bother to got and letup men for the work. One cannot blame men for not wanting to work and sleep anywhere and everywhere at this season of the year. Ploughing is well advanced here, and, there being practically no grain to cart, the farmers turned their attention to ploughing. There will be very little grain sown in this district this season owing to the inconvenience of thrashing. Social.—A progressive euchre and dance was held in the school on the 23rd in?t. The weather could not have been much worse than it was, and it prevented a number from attending; but there was a good muster notwithstanding, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The cards held sway until after 11 o'clock, and the prizes fell to Mrs P. Trcacy for best lady player and Mr Sam Young, jim., for the gentlemen. The booby pr’zis. fell to Miss Maggie Srnitii and Mr Jim M'LKughlin respectively. Supper then arrived on the scene, after which dancing was indulged in for a few hours to the enjoyment of all. Our thanks are duo to the young men for providing us with such a pleasant evening, and let us hope the next one talked of will soon be a reality. Roads.—Our roads are in fairly good repair this winter. We had the grader round pome time ago. and wo find the benefit of it now. A word of praise is due to our present county member (Mr MTnerney) for the way in which he tries to lock after our wants. He has several metal contracts under way, but owing to tbe wet weather contractors cannot 'get on with tho work. OT VMA. July 23.—The weather still continues to bo wet, and farmers are finding it difficult to make any headway with their work, more especially on the flat. There have been several slight falls of snow on the hills nearby. Death.—Much regret has been expressed throughout the district at the death of Mrs O’Hara, which occurred on June 12. The deceased lady was one of the early settlers in this district, and the family have the sympathy of a largo number of friends. Farewell Social. —On Wednesday, June 11, a. farewell social was tendered Mr and Mrs flavin Dickson (also Miss Dickson), who are retiring to live in Riverton. There was a largo and representative gathering, and on enjoyable evening was spent in singing and dancing. During the evening a presentation was made, also interesting speeches by a number of the gentlemen present. Mr Dickson suitably replied. Wedding.-—On June 3 Mr John Dickson was married to Mies Joan MT.eod, of Green Valley, Palmerston. A number of Otama people journeyed to the wedding, and had a very enjoyable time. The young people received the usual “tin-canning” on their return home. Social Evenings.—The Ofuna bachelors hold their annual ball on the eveirng of ■June 25, and the young ladies’ ball was held on July 18, both being Uglily successful, and much em'oycd by all present. General. —On Arbor Day the school children enjoyed a holiday, but no trees were planted. The daily mail has been running for the last month, but it still remains to be scon if it ip going to be successful. Certvnly for those near at hand it is an undoubted advantage. «. Valedictory.—On Tuesday. July 22. a number of the residents assembled at Mr Dillon’s house to make Mr and Mrs D’llon a presentation on the eve of their retirement to Gore. A very enjoyable evening was spent, in dancing and oard-nlaying. excellent music for the dance being supplied by Messrs Henry and Jaffray. During the evening Mr John D-ckson presented Mr Dillon with a ease of pipes and tobacco pouch, and Mrs Dillon with a silver cake basket, teapot and solid afternoon teaspoons. Mr Di'lon suitably replied. JAVIIVCWFONR. July 27.—50 far the winter has been very mild; in fact, at times it has just boon like summer. A good deal of snow has fallen on the mountains, but so far on the lower levels none of any consequence has fallen. Food for stock is fairly plentiful; therefore the sheep and cattle are in fairly good condition. Owing to the mildness of the winter and the plentiful water supply mining operations are being carried on without any drawbacks. Obituary.—Since last writing a tnuchrospectcd resident has passed away in the person of Mr John Sharkey, who died suddenly of heart failure. The deceased gentleman had resided in this district for a considerable number of years, and his death, which occurred so unexpectedly, cast quite a gloom over the d'strict. Much sympathy is felt for his widow and two small children, who are left to mourn their loss. Social News. —The weekly games arc still being well patronised, and tbo monthly dances, which arc held in connection with the same, are a source of great enjoyment to one and all. Concert and Dance.—The school concert and dance was held on the 24fh, and was undoubtedly a success. Although the weather was not as favourable as it might have been, a very large audience assembled. Mr 11. Lory (chairman of committee) was in charge of the proceedings. The programme, which was a lengthy one, consisted of songs, recitations, end musical items, all of the items being very much appreciated bv the people. Thanks are due to those performers who came a long distance to hDn towards the success of the evening. After the concert refreshments, provided' bv the lad'ca, were passed round and done ample lustiee to. Afterwards n dance was held, which was kept going with vigour till 2.30 a.m. Mr D. Kennedy, in his usual efficient manner, meted os master of ceremonies, and excellent music was supplied bv Mr and Mrs Barnes (violin nnd piano). Judging bv the nud’ence, I am sure the school funds must have benefited considerably. TT.AIHrtA ftlnwlte’w nnp, July 23.- —The doctors are both being kept very busy just now attending to the vaccination of a very large number of adu’ts and children The Maon children attending the local schools are being vaccinated in response to the instructions issued by the Education Board (hat Maori children are to be refused admission unless vaccinated. and largo numbers of white children are also thronging the doctors’ surgeries. Harbour. —The effect of the harbour improvement works on the state of the bar is very pronounced, as slncf? the mouth was last opened a remarkably big list of

sailings—departures ai.d arrivals —has been noted. Ludertafel Society.—The inauguration of a Licdortafel under iho oonductorship of Mr Moore, of the Anglican Church Choir, has added another to the number of societies now flourishing in our town. This 'atest formation is. however, somewhat ambitious for so small a township. Building Operations.—Building operations have for some rime been somewhat slack; There are, however, indications of a revival again, and it is expected that .most of the builders will soo’i be busy again with town and country work. Salvation Army Self-denial. —The canvassing for the Salvation Army’s Self-denial Fund has resulted in a ready response, and Army sympathisers will be pleased to learn that there is every probability of a station being opened at Wairoa at the new year. I have heard it said by one of our townsmen that when he came to Wairoa some years ago he was surprised to find that there were no Chinamen in Wairoa and no Salvation Army. The Chinamen have now been here in force for some years; the Army has not yet reopened. I believe that the Salvation Army work would get much sympathy here now, though apparently a former attempt a dozen years ago or so had not been very cncou raging. Weather. —We are experiencing wonderful weather for July. The spring flowers are in abundance, the willows shooting into leaf, and growth generally is good; but the phenomenally dry season must result in poor returns for the now season, unless we get a soaking of rain sufficient permanently to restore the ■ underground water; supplies. While the present grass and fodder supplies are spl end'd, the incessant drv weather must cause a serious change in the near future. Dairy Factory -—A special meeting is being called to consider the advisability of closing the dairy factory on account of the unsatisfactory milk supply. This factory has been running for years in the midst of an ideal dairying country, but the results have been blackly discouraging. (Several causes are responsible for this lack of success —Maori lands lying id'e, the want of small fa.vms. the lack of foresight in preparing winter supplies of food, the habit of using the “ long paddock,” which is no* available during the winter months; but it is a serious reflection <n a farming community, where the soil and climate conditions are ideal, that a dairy factory cannot be made to pay.